Charlie the Tuna Starkist 1961 Delmonte

Charlie the Tuna
Charlie the Tuna, representative of StarKist Tuna, made his first appearance in a TV commercial for StarKist, in 1961.

StarKist has been in business since 1917, first operating as a French sardine company. In 1953, that company became Star-Kist foods. In 1961, Charlie the Tuna was introduced to consumers across America.

Charlie has appeared in 85 commercials and guest appearances for StarKist since his creation in 1961. In the early '90s, Charlie was given a "makeover," becoming a slightly slimmer, more modern Charlie on StarKist packaging and print materials. In 1999, he returned to national television advertising to promote StarKist's new and improved solid white albacore. Charlie had been off the air for 10 years but his return generated great consumer and media excitement.